Manchester man charged in beer theft

MANCHESTER - A city man is under arrest, accused of brandishing a box cutter to steal a 30-pack of beer from Cumberland Farms on Webster Street.

Police said the robbery happened about 8:30 p.m. Tuesday at the 109 Webster St. store. The 52-year-old clerk told police a man entered the store, went to the cooler, got the beer and brought it to the counter.

Initially, the customer appeared to be searching his pockets for money to pay for the 30-pack, but then he pulled out a box cutter, waved it at the clerk, took the beer and fled out the door. police said.

With the help of several witnesses, Officer Mike Valenti tracked the man to a nearby Webster Street address and arrested Charles Namiot, 40, of 165 Webster St., for armed robbery.

Police said two cans of beer and pieces of the packaging for the 30-pack were found on Walnut Street, consistent with the route the fleeing thief took after leaving the store.

Investigators believe Namiot ditched the beer and that two women, seen in the area, picked it up and took it for themselves.